FleetNow CEO Carly Cahlik Backs Women’s Soccer in Cleveland: Advocating for Gender Equality On and Off the Field

FleetNow’s CEO, Carly Cahlik, along with 14 other influential women investors, including Progressive CEO Tricia Griffith, has thrown her support behind an initiative to bring a professional women’s soccer team and a new stadium to Cleveland. This effort to see women’s soccer in Cleveland is led by a diverse group of trailblazing women, and is expected to have a significant economic impact on the area, potentially reaching $4.1 billion. Carly’s investment reflects her committed to promoting gender equality – not only in the construction equipment industry – but also in sports.

Investment Details

The push to bring a professional women’s soccer team to Cleveland gained momentum last October when the Cleveland Soccer Group launched a campaign to secure the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) 16th franchise. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman has indicated that the winning bid will be announced in the fourth quarter of this year. As Cleveland awaits the outcome, the city has already secured the rights to field a team in MLS Next Pro, a men’s professional league in U.S. Soccer’s third tier, which is expected to begin play in 2025.

The investment will transform a vacant 27-acre lot into a world-class, 12,500-person capacity stadium. This stadium will not only host professional women’s soccer in Cleveland but also college and high school teams, providing a venue for various community events. Michael Murphy, CEO and co-founder of Cleveland Soccer Group commented, “Those are the type of things, music concerts can come here… [it would be just] right for certain shows in the summer outdoors” (Source: WKYC).

Advocating for Gender Equality through Women’s Soccer in Cleveland

The initiative reflects Carly Cahlik’s dedication to promoting gender equality not only in sports but also within the construction equipment industry, where she has been a pioneer. Under her leadership, FleetNow has championed diversity and inclusion, setting a precedent for other companies in the sector. Women’s soccer in Cleveland will be a significant step toward achieving this goal throughout the community.

Economic Impact

The project is expected to have a significant economic impact on the Cleveland area, with projections estimating it could reach $4.1 billion. This boost is anticipated to come from various sources, including construction, tourism, and community events. The introduction of women’s soccer in Cleveland is seen as a transformative opportunity for the city’s sports culture and economy.

Future Plans

FleetNow plans to integrate the women’s soccer team into its broader community outreach efforts. This includes sponsorships, hosting community events, and creating partnerships with local schools and organizations to promote sports and healthy lifestyles. Carly Cahlik remarked, “I believe in the power of sports to bring communities together and to empower young women. This investment is about more than just soccer; it’s about creating a platform for women to excel and to inspire the next generation.”

With this significant investment, FleetNow’s CEO Carly Cahlik is not only making strides in the business world but also paving the way for a brighter future for women’s soccer in Cleveland. This initiative is a testament to her vision and commitment to making a difference both in the community and beyond.

Stay tuned for more updates from FleetNow.

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